#mevsme

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Four years ago, last week, I sent @nicktongstrong my very first check-in photos. Since that time I’ve increased my body weight by 48 percent. Which is almost too crazy to absorb. Anyone who has ever lost or gained a lot of weight understands you often don’t realize how much weight you’ve changed, until you do. On top of the fact, before Nick, I had almost never been over 100lbs in my life. I didn’t have weight to lose to begin with. I’ve been a hardgainer since I can remember, athletic in ice skating, gymnastics, and dance growing up, and then in my late teens/early 20s I became very sick and lost a frightening amount of weight. So much they were worried about my heart and internal organs, so I was hospitalized. After spending many months in and out of the hospital over the course of several years, I was finally diagnosed with celiac. Celiac and gluten problems weren’t in vogue at the time, so I had to figure it out on my own….it took a while, and even longer to recover and be able to eat normal(ish) again. I went through a couple of years that I had to puree all of my food and could only eat four or five items, which I rotated to avoid developing intolerance.
Needless to say, this type of background does not create the best relationship with food. So once I was able to live a normal life again I tiptoed around what I ate and basically was afraid of everything. But I was able to maintain an equilibrium where I was well, could be active (I ran competitively, lifted, crossfitted, and had active hobbies (hiking) like I do now), healthy, and happy…so that was enough for me, until it wasn’t.
I believe the universe brings you the right people at the right time and that is 100 percent how I feel about Nick. I’m so grateful for him as a coach, friend, and ass kicker. He’s helped me be a better athlete, pursue my goals in bodybuilding, feel and look the best I ever have….but more importantly, he’s helped me be a better human in far reaching ways. Life as I know it today wouldn’t exist without his presence in it. Everything in life has a domino effect, and I’m forever grateful the #TongStrong domino tumbled in my direction.

"If you still look cute at the end of a workout you did NOT work hard enough."............what if you look like a hot mess DURING? Just means you are REALLY working hard?!?? LOL*******************Sometimes when I wake up and look at my day's schedule I want to just roll over and go back to bed instead of facing the "forever long list".......THESE are the days I am thankful for my "nutrition on the go" option. No grabbing fast food, shitting meal bars, or skipping meals for this girl!!!***************Sooo you follow my albums---you see me post about my monthly "acountability groups" and you wonder deep down---"Do they REALLY work?!?!" IDK- check the status of a girl that is plugged into my August and September groups---I think she'd say they "work"!!! 😉

It's really hard making good choices sometimes! Tonight, being unexpectedly away from home and eating late due to delays this was a pretty good choice. Vegan & gf teriyaki noodles. Pretty damn tasty too! 😋 #healthyeating#eatingout